Senior Associate

The benefits package we have put together for you supports every aspect of your life.

Annual
leave

A healthy holiday allowance that starts at 25 days pa, plus the option to buy, carry over or sell.

Community
spirit

You can take three volunteering days each year to spend time on causes close to your heart.

Mental
health

Mental Health First Aiders are here to support you, backed up by Unum’s Help@hand app.

A path to peace of mind: life assurance, pension scheme and income protection.

Physical
wellbeing

Your health is a priority for us too, so we offer medical insurance, private GP access and discounted gym membership.

Flexible
working

Our flexible approach to hybrid working is there to suit you, your family and your team.

A pathway at Ridge that’s focused on your professional, personal or educational aspirations.

Extra
benefits

Performance bonus, car allowance and more based on your role - and progression.

Are you a commercially aware Senior Associate Flood Risk Consultant seeking your next career move? We are recruiting for someone to lead the delivery of flood risk, drainage, and flood modelling projects across a diverse range of development and infrastructure sectors. The successful candidate will combine technical excellence with project leadership, business development, and client relationship management to support the continued growth of the flood risk and generally pre-planning offering.

This is a senior technical and leadership position, responsible for overseeing project delivery, mentoring junior staff, developing client relationships, and contributing to the strategic direction of the flood risk service offering and will be based in our Bristol office.

• Typically 8-15+ years' relevant consultancy experience.
• Extensive experience preparing and reviewing Flood Risk Assessments and drainage strategies.
• Strong understanding of:
  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
  • Flood Risk and Coastal Change guidance
  • CIRIA SuDS Manual (C753)
  • Flood and Water Management Act
  • Environment Agency requirements
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects and client relationships.
• Proven commercial awareness and project financial management experience.
• Water Framework Directive Assessments
• Natural Flood Management
• Catchment Planning
• Environmental Impact Assessment support
• GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Python or automation tools for data processing

• Lead the delivery of Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), drainage strategies, and water management studies for residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and renewable energy developments.
• Provide expert advice on flood risk, surface water management, SuDS, climate change resilience, and planning policy.
• Oversee hydraulic and hydrological modelling projects using industry-standard software such as:
  • Flood Modeller
  • TUFLOW
  • HEC-RAS
  • InfoWorks ICM
  • MicroDrainage / Causeway Flow / Flow (or equivalent)
• Review and approve technical reports and calculations prepared by other team members.
• Manage complex planning and flood risk challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Provide quality assurance and technical governance across project portfolios.
• Maintain awareness of emerging legislation, policy, guidance, and industry best practice.

• Manage multiple commissions simultaneously, ensuring delivery to programme, budget, and quality requirements.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate inputs from environmental, planning, engineering, and infrastructure specialists.
• Prepare proposals, fee estimates, and project programmes.
• Monitor project performance, financial metrics, and resource allocation.
• Identify and manage project risks and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with:
  • Developers
  • Local Planning Authorities
  • Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs)
  • Environment Agency
  • Water Companies
  • Infrastructure providers
• Attend and lead client meetings, technical workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
• Provide strategic flood risk advice during planning and development processes.

• Continue to deliver / develop relationships with existing clients.
• Identify opportunities with existing and new clients.
• Support framework bids, tenders, and major project pursuits.
• Develop and maintain a strong industry profile through networking and professional engagement.
• Contribute to market growth strategies and business planning.

• Flood Risk Assessments
• Drainage Strategy Development
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
• Hydrological Analysis
• Hydraulic Modelling
• Surface Water Management
• Climate Change Assessment
• Planning Support
• Report Writing
• Project Management